(AUSTIN) — The Fort Hood Army post had an economic impact of $25.3 billion in Texas during fiscal 2011, according to a new analysis released today by Texas Comptroller Susan Combs.

“Fort Hood’s importance to Texas goes beyond the significant role it plays in our nation’s security,” Combs said. “Fort Hood is an economic engine that helps growth in Texas. Projects at the installation and surrounding communities help bring investment and jobs to the Central Texas region. Those communities also benefit from services and industries that cater to the large number of Soldiers and their Families who call Fort Hood home.”

According to the analysis, 68,942 jobs were directly attributed to Fort Hood operations in fiscal 2011, up from about 67,000 jobs in fiscal 2007. Employees at Fort Hood consist of active duty military, federal civilian workers, contract personnel and Killeen Independent School District workers. In addition, there are 79,454 family members supported by these jobs. Fort Hood was indirectly responsible for an additional 214,344 jobs throughout the state.

In terms of payroll, Fort Hood paid its active duty military personnel and civilian workers more than $3.14 billion in fiscal 2011. It paid more than $514 million to its contractors and more than $3.86 billion to veteran retirees.

The following direct expenses were attributed to Fort Hood in fiscal 2011:

• More than $1.4 billion for construction and utility payments,• More than $137 million for travel expenses, and,• More than $75 million on federal aid to area school districts.

One of the largest military installations in the world, the base encompasses 217,337 acres (or 340 square miles) of southwestern Bell and southeastern Coryell counties.